A married couple who met during a tree-based protest against an oil pipeline in Wales are the brains behind a new art installation that is due to open in Regent’s Park this summer.

Artists Claudia Moseley, 29, and Edward Shuster, 27, plan to build four tree houses in the park that will be used as public platforms for free music concerts, workshops, theatre shows and debates.

They are close to fulfilling the £500,000 target needed to get their project – named the Invisible City – off the ground after launching a crowdfunding campaign on the Kickstarter website last month.

The couple, who live in Hackney, have secured the backing of actress Helena Bonham Carter, who lives in Belsize Park, and her film director partner Tim Burton. Both are patrons of the project, which has been supported by Regent’s Park manager Nick Biddle.

He said: “The Invisible City provides an amazing range of unique and innovative experiences for visitors to Regent’s Park. This project has something for everyone, with a mix of art, architecture, culture, ecology, ideas and activities.”

Claudia Moseley added: “When Edward and I met during the tree protest we were inspired by the sense of community and discovered how wonderful it was to live alongside others in a makeshift tree house.

“We wanted to bring this experience into an art project and let adults, as well as kids, enjoy playing in a tree house.”

If the total funding target for the project is reached, the couple hope work on the tree constructions – which are due to be built next to the park’s boathouse café – will start soon so they can be fully installed by July. The main tree house will be able to hold up to 200 people standing, with the three others built to house a smaller number of guests.

“This project is a brilliant idea,” explained Tim Burton. “It offers a fresh way of combining art and nature.”